Ulnar Styloid Fracture Accompanying Distal Radius Fracture Does Not Affect Hand Function, but What About Hand Dexterity?

Abstract

Introduction Hand dexterity is not addressed in patients with distal radius fracture (DRF) accompanied with ulnar styloid fracture (USF) in literature. This study aimed to determine whether an associated USF following a DRF has any effect on hand dexterity. Materials and Methods Patients diagnosed with DRF were included in the study and were divided into two groups according to the USF presence (USF group and non-USF group). Pain, range of motion, Quick-DASH (Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), handgrip and pinch strength, Purdue Pegboard test, and Jebsen Taylor Hand Function test were measured in the sixth month. Results A total of 125 patients, 68 females (54.4%) and 57 males (45.6%) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 47.15 ± 13.41 (18–65) years. There were 60 patients (48%) in the USF group and 65 patients (52%) in the non-USF group. No significant difference was found in pain, range of motion, Quick-DASH and handgrip and pinch strength between the groups (p > 0.05). The hand dexterity tests showed no statistically significant difference between the groups in the sixth month (p > 0.05). Discussion Hand function can be determined more accurately by assessing hand dexterity. In this study, it is emphasized that concomitant USF does not lead to poorer hand dexterity.